Illini Central heads to the Class 1A state tournament

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central High School mascot Kyle Sims adjusts his head before heading into the Mason City school's gymnasium Thursday for a sendoff for the basketball team heading to the state tournament in Peoria.

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central High School varsity basketball guard Jared Entwistle leads classmates and fans in a roller coaster cheer during an assembly at the Mason City school Thursday before the basketball team left for the state tournament in Peoria. The Cougars take on Carrollton in the opening Class 1A game at noon Friday.

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central High School head basketball coach John Giesler joins the cheerleaders for cheer during an assembly in Mason City Thursday for the basketball team before it headed to the IHSA Class 1A state tournament in Peoria.

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central High School varsity basketball player Ean Albers is hoisted off of his feet by the Cougar mascot Monday during a sendoff Thursday for the basketball team heading to the state tournament in Peoria. Albers was also noted at the assembly for his achievements on the Scholastic Bowl team.

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central High School basketball fans line the street during a sendoff for the Mason City school's team heading to the IHSA state tournament in Peoria. The team plays their first game in the Class 1A round noon Friday against Carrollton

DAVID ZALAZNIK/JOURNAL STAR Members of the Illini Central High School basketball team wave to classmates as they leave the Mason City school Thursday bound for the IHSA state tournament in Peoria.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central head coach John Giesler watches his team practice during Thursday's shootarounds at Carver Arena.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central guard Jared Entwistle is one of the main ingredients in the Panther's recipe for success this year.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Illini Central head coach John Giesler watches his team practice during Thursday's shootarounds at Carver Arena.